The Mrs Bradley Mysteries

British television crime drama series (1998–2000)

The Mrs Bradley Mysteries is a British drama series starring Diana Rigg as Adela Bradley, and Neil Dudgeon as her chauffeur George Moody. The series was produced by the BBC for its BBC One channel between 31 August 1998 and 6 February 2000, based on the character created by detective writer Gladys Mitchell. Five episodes were produced, including a pilot special. Stylish images of the 1920s are featured, including a classic Rolls Royce limousine and art deco fashions and jewellery worn by the title character.

After making a shocking appearance at her ex husband's funeral, Mrs. Adela Bradley, accompanied by her loyal chauffeur George, visits an old friend whose daughter has just become engaged. When the groom to be turns up dead, Mrs. Bradley must navigate her goddaughter's tragic past to learn the truth.

Mrs. Bradley pays a visit to her alma mater, an upmarket finishing school she appears to have a low opinion of. Whilst there, she befriends some of the more promising students, only for one of the teachers to turn up dead. With George's assistance, she learns more of the teachers' quirks and the dark secrets hidden by some of the students. The pair also meet Inspector Christmas, a charming and astute policeman who's a huge fan of Adela's.

At the request of Inspector Christmas, Mrs. Bradley investigates the murders of two members in a traveling circus troupe: a member of the knife throwing act and the bullwhip artist.

Mrs. Bradley visits her oldest friend, who is unprepared for Adela's colorful behavior. When the cook is murdered, the household begins to unravel, and Mrs. Bradley must put her detective and literary skills to work again.

Mrs. Bradley and George make a trip to Cornwall to surprise Inspector Christmas, who's being honored for his recent work. When a local girl turns up murdered, Adela is horrified to see connections to an old case of hers. When the killer targets someone close to George, it's a race against time to unravel the secrets of the worsted viper.

The series was shown in the United States by PBS broadcaster WGBH as part of its Mystery! anthology strand, and introduced by Diana Rigg. The full series was also aired in Australia in 2011 by the Seven Network's station 7Two.